"The journey of a thousand ri proceeds step by step, so think without rushing. Understanding that this is the duty of a warrior, put these practices into action, surpass today what you were yesterday, go beyond those of poor skill tomorrow and exceed those who are skillful later... See to it that you temper yourself with one thousand days of practice, and refine yourself with ten thousand days of training. You should investigate this thoroughly."
~Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings~

Friday, August 26, 2011

The August 2011 Hawaii Karate Kenkyukai session was an informal, one-year anniversary memorial Karate demonstration to honor Mrs. Diane Satoko Nagaishi. This demonstration was agreed upon with the full support of the Hawaii Karate Kenkyukai. She passed away August 20, 2010 and was the wife of Fumio Nagaishi Sensei. As his wife, she came into contact with many of the great legendary Okinawan teachers, such as Chosin Chibana, Shinei Kyan, and Taira Shinken, to name a few. She was a dynamic and leading force in the formation of the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai Hawaii. Mrs. Nagaishi loved doing and watching Kata. She loved Kata.

The program started out with Mrs. Nagaishi's favorite Kata, Tsuken Sunakake (throwing sand) No Eiku. This Kata uses the oar (kaibo / eku), and was performed by Alan Yokota, Roy Rivera, and John Oberle. Next, the OSKA group, consisting of Alan Yokota, Steve Chun, Grant Kawasaki, and Tom Terayama, performed the Chibana Shorin-ryu Kihon Kata Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan.

In most demonstrations the Pinan Kata is performed by the youth or beginners group. For this demonstration the senior instructors performed the Kata. Pinan Shodan by Charles T. Goodin Sensei, Pinan Nidan by Sean Roberts Sensei, Pinan Sandan by Herbert Ishida Sensei, Pinan Yondan again by Roberts Sensei, and Pinan Godan again with Ishida Sensei. This entire set was dynamic.

The Naihanchi Shodan Kata is the fundamental Kata for Shuri-te, and was powerfully performed Angel Lemus Sensei and Judy Lemus Sensei, though they are Tomari-te stylists.

Alan Yokota, Roy Rivera, and John Oberle performed Rohai (Shodan). This Rohai is the first of 3 Rohai created by Anko Itosu. The classical Rohai is the Tomari Rohai. Following the Rohai was a well coordinated group performance of Bassai Dai (Itosu No Patsai) by the Minakami Dojo, consisting of Randee Chang, Nicole Cardinale, Justin Kaneko, and Adam Hagadone.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats when George Sasano Sensei was called to perform the Jion Kata. Sasano Sensei has been suffering from Tinnitus, which has affected his equilibrium for over a year. His performance was dynamic.

Gavin Hiramatsu showed the International Karate League's hard-hitting Kushanku, which is their rendition of the Itosu Kusanku Dai. Next was Dexter Chun with a quick paced Kishaba Juku Shorin-ryu Naihanchi Nidan Kata.

The Maezato No Tekko was another group Kata with Alan Yokota, Roy Rivera, and John Oberle. This Kata was created by Shinken Taira (Maezato) using the pattern of the Jiin Kata. The Tekko can be made from a brass (iron) knuckle (knuckle duster), stirrups, or horse shoes, but most likely came from China as a knuckle duster. Hisae Ishii-Chang Sensei's Nijushiho was versatile, being both smooth and flowing as well as quick changing.

Angel Lemus Sensei and Judy Lemus did their powerful Matsumura Seisan. Their Matsumura Seisan techniques are very close to the original Itosu Seisan, but the Itosu Seisan of Wado-ryu's Seshan and the Shotokan Hangetsu are more exacting in pattern (embusen). George Sasano Sensei followed with another forceful Kata, the Kusanku Kata Sho (Shotokan Kanku Sho).

Another Kobudo group Kata was the Timbei by Roy Rivera, John Oberle, and Harold Hamada. The Timbei originally was a farmer’s hat with a sharpened instrument or tool, such as a potato digger. It gradually evolved into a short spear (rochin) and shield art. Robert Matsushita's Wanshu (Wado-ryu / Shotokan Empi / Chibana Wansu) was quick moving and quick shifting. This Wanshu was the Itosu Wansu, but the classical Wanshu is the Tomari Wanshu, believed by many to be the oldest Okinawan Kata. Charles C. Goodin Sensei followed with a quick hitting Kishaba Juku Shorin-Ryu Naihanchi Sandan.

Alan Yokota, Steve Chun, and Grant Kawasaki performed the Chibana Shorin-ryu signature Kata Patsai Dai (Matsumura No Patsai). Shawna Carino was quick and hard hitting in her performance of the Itosu Chinto. George Sasano performed a very exacting Jitte (Jutte). Everyone was amazed since even with his health challenges, he looked like he did 30 years ago.

John Oberle's Kojo No Sai was interesting with tempo changes throughout the Kata. Ralph Sakauye did a very versatile Taira No Nunchaku. Hisae Ishii-Chang Sensei's Gojushiho Sho (Itosu No Gojushiho) was rhythmic and dramatic, which reflected intense concentration. Alan Lee Sensei's Senbukan Karate's Shushi No Kun (using a six foot staff) was powerful and smooth and is equivalent to the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai's Shushi No Kon (kun / bo) Sho. Roy Rivera delivered a very forceful Shushi No Kon Dai.

Herbert Ishida Sensei performed a very dynamic Tensho Kata, his teacher's favorite Kata. Kyle Nakasone Sensei followed with a powerful performance of Hamahiga No Tunfua. Alan Yokota finished the program with a polished and refined Kanegawa No Nichogama (two sickles).

There are many thanks to be said, as the demonstration was the result of combined effort from many individuals. Charles C. Goodin Sensei agreed once more to be the Master of Ceremonies and as always, did a great job. Angel Lemus Sensei (koadigital) designed the beautiful program brochure and Aileen Higa (FedEX) printed the brochures and handouts. Clyde and Carl Kinoshita agreed to capture the entire event on film which Angel Lemus Sensei edited and converted to DVD. Alan Yokota, with the help of John Oberle, sacrificed much of his free time coordinating this event. Alan Lee Sensei graciously hosted the event and provided manapua for the numerous individuals who helped to set up before and tear down afterwards.

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Chibana Chosin (1885 - 1969)

Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Association - Hawaii

My teacher is Patrick Nakata Sensei. He teaches the Shorin Ryu karate he learned from Chibana Chosin Sensei, the Ryukyu Kobudo he learned from Sensei Fumio Nagaishi, and the kobudo he learned from Kyan Shinei Sensei.

Recommended Blogs and Sites

The Chibana Project
My best friend's project to gather information and conduct research about Okinawan karate legend and master Chibana Chosin.

Hawaii Karate Seinenkai
Website of an organization dedicated to karate in general and karate's history on Hawaii. Has great resources on the site.